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Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Today's Podcast 09/29/2009

Burg, Shana. A THOUSAND NEVER EVERSNew York : Delacorte Press, 2008IL 3-6, RL 5.6ISBN 0385734700Addie Ann Pickett has a big brother whom she adores, has just been left a television set in a will, and is nervous about starting Jr. High. But Addie lives in Mississippi in 1963 and her brother is accused of assault and is on the run from authorities. She can't use the television because her part of town doesn't have electricity and her Jr. High is a three mile walk one way in a different town due to segregation laws. Times have started to change, and Addie's town is beginning to stir. A wealthy old man who lived in the center of town with acres of land has left the property to be used as a community garden, for the whole community. His will says, "Together whites and Negros shall plant a garden". The sheriff pretends he never heard that part of the will and the white folk take over the land. Soon there is a mystery surrounding the garden. Addie is convinced her brother has been murdered and her uncle is accused of a crime as well. How can Addie help those she loves the most, how will she stand up against the injustice of her town? (New Hampshire Great Stone Face nominee, 2009-2010)